Playground Ideas

Founded in 2007 when Marcus Veerman helped build playgrounds in Mae Sot, Thailand, Playground Ideas has grown into a global open-source movement. The initiative recognises that play provides essential stimulation for healthy brain development, particularly crucial for children experiencing toxic stress from poverty, war, or disaster.

Research shows that lack of stimulation combined with toxic stress can delay child development by years, creating lifelong impacts on capacity and opportunity. At a national level, this translates to billions in lost GDP and increased healthcare costs. The Playground Ideas website offers free access to all resources, including a 3D designer for creating professional site plans and a Global Builders Facebook community for ongoing support.

The programme follows a structured five-phase approach: Listen (community consultation), Plan (logistics and budgeting), Design (translating community input into buildable plans), Build (construction with local teams), and Maintain (ongoing care and safety). All playground elements use low-cost or recycled materials with simple construction techniques, making the approach accessible to communities regardless of economic circumstances.